Hey Reader,
Let’s talk about a skill that can elevate your film, save you thousands of dollars, and keep your sanity intact. No, it’s not cinematography or editing—it’s location scouting.
January has been a blur of site visits, calls to property owners, and virtual deep dives on Google Earth. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Other than casting, location scouting might just be the most important "pre" pre-production activity you’ll ever do.
We’ve touched on this before in Filmmaker’s Notebook, talking about working locations into your budget. But today, I want to dig deeper. Because location scouting isn’t just about finding a “cool spot” for your film—it’s a strategic art form. It’s where creativity, logistics, and budget collide, and when done right, it can transform your project.
Here’s the thing: location scouting isn’t just about picking backdrops—it’s about problem-solving. You’re creating a world that feels real and serves the story, all while staying on time, on budget, and within logistical constraints.
Why Location Scouting Is Your Secret Weapon
Locations are more than just places to shoot—they’re storytelling tools. The creaky Victorian house, the windswept beach, the claustrophobic diner booth—they all convey mood, tone, and subtext without saying a word.
But there’s a practical side, too. The right location can:
• Save you money.
• Reduce logistical headaches.
• Minimize script changes mid-production.
The wrong location? That’s how you end up over budget, behind schedule, and questioning your life choices at 2 AM in a freezing parking lot.
Start Early. Think Ahead.
The earlier you scout, the better. Why? Because it gives you time to adjust the script to the realities of your budget and resources. Maybe that multi-million-dollar West Van mansion becomes a modest condo in Maple Ridge. Maybe the car chase scene in your script gets reimagined as a tense on-foot pursuit through a crowded market.
Starting early also gives you time to build relationships. Many property owners are more willing to negotiate when they’re not dealing with last-minute desperation. And trust me, negotiation is where the magic happens.
Adaptability Is Your Best Friend
As independent filmmakers, we often don’t have the luxury of shooting exactly what’s in the script. The trick? Write with flexibility in mind.
Instead of specifying a “five-star hotel lobby,” think “a public space that feels upscale.” Instead of “a McDonald’s,” think “a fast-food joint.” These small adjustments give you room to adapt to what’s available without compromising the story.
Flexibility also applies to how you use a location:
• Repurpose locations. That office conference room might double as a police interrogation room.
• Minimize moves. Moving your entire cast and crew to a new location eats time and money. Cluster scenes in the same spot, even if they appear in different parts of the story.
• Maximize your stay. If you’re renting a location, squeeze every possible use out of it before you leave.
Get in the Weeds with Logistics
You’ve found the perfect location. It’s visually stunning, fits the mood, and the price is right. But here’s the deal: if the logistics don’t work, it’s not worth it.
Questions to ask:
• Can you control noise? A gorgeous park near an airport is a nightmare waiting to happen.
• Is there power? Can you plug in your gear without tripping every circuit breaker?
• What’s the parking situation? A remote cabin sounds dreamy until you realize there’s no space for your crew and gear trucks.
• Where are the bathrooms? Glamorous? No. Necessary? Absolutely.
Logistics are what make or break a location. Don’t overlook them.
The Indie Advantage: Making Locations Work for You
One of the best-kept secrets of indie filmmaking is how to let locations inspire your script.
Found a creepy old warehouse? That might be an antagonist's "lair", your protagonist’s hideout, and the scene of the final showdown—all rolled into one. Got access to a friend’s restaurant? Suddenly, half your dialogue scenes happen over coffee.
This approach isn’t just about saving money—it’s about working smarter.
• Cluster your shoot days. Try to have locations "reused" at different parts of the story and shoot them all at once. By spreading it out in the story it won't feel like you did it for budgetary reasons.
• Simplify your geography. The more you can keep your cast and crew in one general area, the better.
• Embrace the unexpected. Sometimes, the quirks of a location can lead to creative breakthroughs.
The Digital Toolkit for Scouting
We live in an age where your smartphone is as powerful as a location scout with 20 years of experience. Use it.
• Google Earth and Street View let you explore neighbourhoods and landmarks without leaving your couch.
• Peerspace and Giggster are treasure troves for finding film-friendly properties.
• Social media groups and local message boards are great for crowdsourcing ideas and finding hidden gems. I'm not a huge fan of Facebook but it is a good place to post for potential locations.
• Your Email List. You are starting an email list right? Look at crowdsourcing locations. Ask your audience if they have access to any spaces that you could take a look at.
Don’t be afraid to get scrappy. Some of the best locations aren’t listed anywhere—you find them by driving around or asking locals.
The Art of Negotiation
Location owners outside of major film hubs often have no idea what to charge for a film shoot. That’s an opportunity.
• Offer flat fees. Simplicity is attractive.
• Bundle days. If you’re shooting multiple scenes at one location, negotiate a discount for extended use.
• Pitch the perks. A screen credit, premiere tickets, or even a small walk-on role can sweeten the deal.
Always have a backup plan. No matter how perfect a location seems, things can fall apart.
Final Thoughts: Why Location Scouting Matters
Location scouting is where the script begins to come alive. It’s where your vision meets real-world constraints—and the magic happens in the middle.
But it’s not just about finding “cool” places. It’s about finding places that serve the story, fit the budget, and keep the production running smoothly. It’s about being adaptable, resourceful, and strategic.
So the next time you’re planning a shoot, don’t treat location scouting as an afterthought. Treat it as what it is: one of the most important skills a filmmaker can master.
Got a great location hack? I’d love to hear it—hit reply and share your story.
Missing anything that you want to see? Let me know.
Cheers,
Anthony (He/Him)
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